<p>Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s a way of engaging with the world that we all have access to, and which offers a playful and engaging pathway toward healing. It’s also a thing that we do with our bodies! That makes it an extra-helpful way to get out of our heads and move through whatever feelings we need to process.</p><p>In this conversation with somatic therapist Amanda Melbostad, we explore the magic of accessing our creativity and finding safety in our bodies. We also talk about how to find the right therapist, how to open ourselves up to creative practices, and how freeing it can be to invite our inner critic to take a back seat.</p><p>Read the transcript at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/10/01/creativity-movement-toward-healing-amanda-melbostad/">https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/10/01/creativity-movement-toward-healing-amanda-melbostad/</a></p><p>Support the podcast on Patreon @SettlingIsBullshit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.patreon.com/SettlingIsBullshit">https://www.patreon.com/SettlingIsBullshit</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Amanda</strong></p><p>Visit their website (and book a free, 30 minute consultation) <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amandamelbostadtherapy.com/">https://www.amandamelbostadtherapy.com/</a></p><p>Find them on Psychology Today <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-melbostad-portland-or/1562150">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-melbostad-portland-or/1562150</a></p><p>Find them on LinkedIn <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-melbostad-aa1a4340/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-melbostad-aa1a4340/</a></p><p><strong>Resources, References, and Links</strong></p><p><em>Note: book recommendations include affiliate links. If you buy a copy, I’ll get a tiny commission, and that would be super cool.</em></p><p>Relational Therapy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/relational-therapy">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/relational-therapy</a></p><p>Traveling Monet Exhibit. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://monetexpo.com/">https://monetexpo.com/</a></p><p>My tiger picture! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLjI5BFxhzX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=cGpxOWFxZGh1NmJr">https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLjI5BFxhzX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=cGpxOWFxZGh1NmJr</a></p><p><em>Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear</em> by Elizabeth Gilbert.</p><p>Parts work episode. Episode #46: “Cultivating Self-Acceptance through Parts Work with Celine Redfield, LMFT.” <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/06/26/cultivating-self-acceptance-through-parts-work-with-celine-redfield-lmft/">https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/06/26/cultivating-self-acceptance-through-parts-work-with-celine-redfield-lmft/</a></p><p>Blind contour exercise. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-blind-contour-drawing-help-better-artist">https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-blind-contour-drawing-help-better-artist</a></p><p><em>Drawing Lab</em>. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.powells.com/book/drawing-lab-for-mixed-media-artists-9781592536139">https://www.powells.com/book/drawing-lab-for-mixed-media-artists-9781592536139</a></p><p>Vision boards. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a29959841/how-to-make-a-vision-board/">https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a29959841/how-to-make-a-vision-board/</a></p>